Is Working From Home an Option for You?

Because of advances in technology, it is increasingly easy for people to work from home and save money doing so.

Having a home office means that you do not have to spend hours every month sitting in traffic trying to get to work, and you do not have to spend as much on fuel for your car.  It also means, if you own your own business, that you can save thousands of dollars in rent.  But it also is a tax deduction.  By claiming the home office deduction, you are allowed to deduct a portion of your living expenses such as utilities, that would otherwise be non-deductible.

This deduction is available to you whether you own your own business or work for someone else.  But if you are an employee, you must be working from home for your employer's convenience and not your own.  If your employer requires that you work from home, then that test is met.

Unfortunately, this deduction has been greatly abused by taxpayers and now the IRS is very strict in ensuring that your home office meets all of the requirements for the tax deduction.

The home office deduction is only permitted if the home office is used exclusively on a regular basis either: 1) as the principal place of business for any trade or business of the taxpayer; 2) as a place of business that is used by patients, clients, or customers in meeting or dealing with the taxpayer in the normal course of his or her trade or business; or 3) in the case of a separate structure that is not attached to the dwelling unit, in connection with the taxpayer's trade or business.

To qualify under the "regular use" test, the home office must be used on a regular basis.  Working from home once a month does not count.

To qualify under the "exclusive use" test, you must use a specific area of your home exclusively for your business.  Even after "business hours," you cannot use the space for non-business purposes.  Something as simple as your children "hanging out" in that room when you are not conducting business disqualifies the whole deduction.

However, if your home office meets these tests, the deduction can be substantial.  Under a new safe-harbor, the deduction is $5 for every allowable square foot, up to 300 square feet.  The deduction can be even greater if you keep track of all of your actual expenses, such as your mortgage, property taxes, and utilities.

If you have a home office, or are thinking about having one, and you want to make sure that it qualifies for the tax deduction, please send me an e-mail.  I will walk you through what qualifies, explain how the deduction is calculated, and answer any other questions you have about this deduction.

I can also recommend a great IT consultant.  It is improved technology that is allowing so many more people the opportunity to work from home, so you need to make sure that you are properly set up to do so.

I would love to get your feedback through the comment section below.